2019 Illustrious Potentate,
William L. Weiss
First, and foremost, thank you fellow Nobles
for electing me as your 2019 Potentate.
In 2013 Illustrious Sir Michael S. Mammay, P.P., appointed me to the line as 2nd Ceremonial Master.
At the time, it seemed like a long road to be sitting in the “Big Chair.” But, from this end of the road, I am having a difficult time understanding where the time has gone.
Maybe time can fly, but in the travels of Lady Phyllis and I, we have met many new friends and will cherish the memories of our time in Shrinedom.
The income to keep our Shrine Center operating is derived primarily from Membership Dues, Rental Income and Fraternal Fundraising. With the loss of the Shrine Circus, new fundraisers will be needed to replace this lost revenue. Plans are for two “A Night at the Races.” Also, more effort will be made to increase the attendance and net proceeds from existing fundraisers through new methods of promotion to the public.
Lady Phyllis and I have chosen to make improvements to the Shrine Pavilion as Potentate and First Lady projects. A “Wish List” for the Shrine Center is being developed and will be published soon for all to see and perhaps dedicate donations toward listed items or projects.
The “Syria Shriners Sons of Veterans” unit is very close to petitioning for a Charter. If your parent or grand-parent served in the armed forces of their country, you are eligible to join this unit.
This year, Master Masons will have six opportunities to become a Syria Shriner. They can attend the June 5th Spring Ceremonial, the November 18th Fall Ceremonial, or they can receive a short-form obligation prior to one of the Syria Shrine Quarterly Meetings.
Petitions must be submitted to the Recorders Office prior to the Board of Directors meeting preceding the Ceremonial or Quarterly Meeting for processing.
Here is something that hasn’t been done at the Shrine Center for years. The week of February 17th through February 23rd is declared “Syria Shrine Center Spring Cleaning Week.”
All Shrine Units and other groups using or storing items in the Shrine Center are asked to inventory their items and dispose of unnecessary material and equipment.
Display cases should be cleaned, and trophy displays updated. With more public traffic in the Shrine Center, let’s make Syria “Shine.”
May you all have “Fair Winds and Following Seas.”
William L. Weiss
Potentate